Out-of-Home Child Care Settings that have National or Georgia Accreditation

Measure

Total number of out-of-home child-care settings that have national or Georgia accreditation (as designated by one or more of the following: NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), NAFCC (National Association for Family Child Care), Home of Merit, Home of Distinction, Center of Distinction, and Center of Recognition).

Why is this indicator important?

Having quality child care in the earliest years has long-term benefits for children's social and intellectual development.  Accreditation acknowledges that quality standards are being met, making it easier for parents to choose the program that best meets their child's needs.

How are we doing in Hall County?

• There are only three out-of-home child care settings that have attained national or Georgia accreditation.  Ninth District Opportunity, Inc. has set an excellent example for other programs by working hard to accredit two of its child care and early learning programs.
  

What does research tell us we can do to improve this indicator?

• Create coalitions of health professionals and child-care providers to promote healthy and safe child care
• Conduct outreach efforts to unregulated providers and provide training, materials, and support
• Support and reward professional development for child-care staff by offering scholarships and incentives
• Promote messages about what constitutes quality child-care settings to encourage parents to become better consumers